Common questions
Why are you being admitted to the ward?
You’re here to get extra support for your mental health needs. These wards offer more intense care than what you might get in the community. We will assess and treat your mental health, and staff will work with you to develop the safest way to get you back home.
How can we help you?
Treatment may include therapy or medication. If you don’t have someone helping you outside the ward, staff can refer you to someone who can come to the ward to work with you and the doctors.
Can family, friends, or carers help with this process?
We understand it can be very daunting going through this process on your own. Family or friends are also important in your care and with your consent can attend MDT (multi-disciplinary team) meetings. You can also get help from the independent advocacy service (IMHA) if you are being held under the Mental Health Act.
What are you not allowed to bring to the ward?
You can’t bring sharp objects, glass, alcohol, drugs, or energy drinks. You can have mirrors and razors, but they’re kept in secure boxes when you’re not using them. You can ask staff for them anytime. Patients can ask for these items at any time and will be provided by a member of staff.
When are mealtimes?
Breakfast will be at 8am, lunch is at midday and dinner is at 5pm.
Can you bring your own food to the ward, and where will it be kept?
Yes, you may bring your own food. Dry foods can be kept in your room, but perishables will be stored in the secure kitchen.
Can you cook your own meals?
After a cooking assessment on admission, you can access the kitchen to cook your own meals with supervision.
What services can you access through your admission?
Throughout admission, patients will have an allocated responsible clinician or consultant. You will also have access to psychology professionals, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and people focused groups for activities. Sabrina the therapy dog attends the ward every other Wednesday and patients also have access to drop-in sessions from creative support where you can receive assistance with benefits, housing and more.
What facilities are available on the ward?
You will have access to a dining room, communal lounge, female lounge, laundry room, relaxation room, activity room, patient kitchen, and sensory room. There are also two outdoor spaces on the ward with seating, these can be used at any time.
What is in the bedrooms and is there a lock?
Each bedroom has a bed, storage space, an ensuite bathroom, and a desk and chair. You will be given a fob to enter your room that only and staff are able to access.
When will you see a doctor?
You will be seen by a consultant within 72 hours of admission. This will be called an MDT (multi-disciplinary team) meeting where you can talk about your goals for your time on the ward.
Can I smoke?
No, the grounds are a non-smoking site. You can have nicotine replacements such as vapes, patches and inhalators. You can also access the Smoking Cessation team if you wish to stop smoking, the team visits the wards regularly.
Page last reviewed: September 10, 2024
Next review due: September 10, 2025
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